Three-dimensional Superficial Liposculpture of the Hips, Flank, and Thighs

BACKGROUND: In the last 3 decades, liposuction has become a mainstay of the plastic surgeon’s armamentarium, and the technique has evolved considerably. We retrospectively review all of the liposuction procedures that we performed over the past 20 years. METHODS: The principles of superficial 3-dimensional liposuction with respect to preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of patients scheduled to undergo liposuction of the hips, flanks, and thighs were described. RESULTS: A total of 4000 patient charts were reviewed. The results indicated that 50 patients experienced a postsurgical seroma that was resolved after syringe aspirations. One patient developed a major mycobacterial infection that was resolved after antibiotic therapy. Twenty patients complained of minor asymmetries that were corrected 6 months later under local anesthesia; 18 patients suffered from minor skin irregularities, which improved after lipofilling. In 6 cases, transient hyperpigmentation (6–12 months) of the skin before the use of suction drainages in the removal of large adiposities in patients with light skin was experienced, and in 2 cases, transient paresthesia (8 and 10 months) was experienced. No skin necrosis, deep vein thrombosis, or death occurred. CONCLUSIONS: If performed correctly, 3-dimensional superficial liposuction of the trunk, hips, and thighs can yield very satisfying outcomes because of the excellent contour and the enhanced skin retraction provided by the thin cutaneous adipose flap. Three-dimensional liposuction is a reliable method with proven results. A careful application of the technique combined with accurate surgical planning, a thorough preoperative explanation of real expectations, and postoperative care is crucial.